.png&w=1920&q=75)
BPA in Carnatic Vocal at Shantala Lalitakala Mahavidyalaya, Hasan
Hassan, Karnataka
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Carnatic Vocal at Shantala Lalitakala Mahavidyalaya, Hasan Hassan?
This Carnatic Vocal program at Shantala Lalitakala Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, focuses on traditional South Indian classical singing. The curriculum meticulously covers foundational vocal exercises, intricate Raga structures, Tala systems, and compositions of legendary composers. It emphasizes developing a deep understanding of musicology, performance techniques, and aesthetic appreciation. This program is distinguished by its blend of theoretical knowledge and intensive practical training, preparing students for professional careers in the vibrant Indian classical music industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring Carnatic vocalists with a foundational understanding of music, typically having passed a junior certificate in music or undergone significant training. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into professional classical music performance, teaching, or research. Professionals looking to refine their vocal techniques, expand their repertoire, or pursue higher academic qualifications in music also find this program beneficial. Individuals passionate about preserving and propagating India''''s rich Carnatic music heritage are particularly suited for this intensive study.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths within the Indian performing arts landscape. Opportunities include becoming professional performing artists, music teachers in schools and colleges, music therapists, research scholars in ethnomusicology, or even sound engineers specializing in classical recordings. Entry-level salaries for professional performers or teachers might range from INR 2.5 to 5 lakhs per annum, with experienced artists earning significantly more based on their eminence and engagements. The program also aligns with requirements for advanced degrees like MPA and research in music.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Practice and Listening- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate at least 2-3 hours daily to riyaz (practice) focusing on pitch accuracy, breath control, and basic exercises (Sarali, Janta, Alankaras). Complement this with active listening to recordings of senior artists performing foundational compositions taught in class.
Tools & Resources
Tanpura app/device, metronome, recordings of masters like M.S. Subbulakshmi, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer
Career Connection
Builds a strong technical foundation essential for vocal longevity and precise rendition, crucial for a performing career and artistic excellence.
Theory-Practice Integration- (Semester 1-2)
Connect theoretical concepts from Music History and Theory classes directly with practical vocal exercises. Understand the historical context of ragas and compositions as you learn to sing them. Discuss theoretical doubts with practical instructors to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks on Carnatic Musicology, notations of compositions, discussions with gurus
Career Connection
Develops a holistic understanding, enabling informed artistic choices and articulate explanations, valuable for teaching and research roles in music.
Peer Learning and Feedback- (Semester 1-2)
Form small practice groups with classmates. Exchange constructive feedback on each other''''s rendition, identify common errors, and motivate collective improvement. Organize informal performances for each other to build confidence and hone stage presence.
Tools & Resources
Peer group, small performance space, recording devices
Career Connection
Enhances critical listening skills, builds collaborative spirit, and prepares for ensemble performances, fostering professional networking and teamwork early on.
Intermediate Stage
Expanding Repertoire and Manodharma- (Semester 3-5)
Actively learn and internalize a wider range of Krithis and Varnams from diverse composers. Simultaneously, dedicate time to developing Manodharma Sangeetham (improvisation) skills like Raga Alapana, Swara Kalpana, and Neraval by regularly practicing variations and creative interpretations.
Tools & Resources
Extensive sheet music/notations, recordings of various artists, guidance from advanced gurus
Career Connection
Crucial for becoming a versatile performer, capable of delivering engaging and original concerts, which is vital for a successful performing career.
Attending and Analyzing Live Concerts- (Semester 3-5)
Regularly attend live Carnatic music concerts by established artists. Pay close attention to concert structure, stage presence, audience engagement, and the nuanced rendition of kritis and improvisations. Post-concert, analyze and discuss observations with peers and mentors.
Tools & Resources
Concert calendars, online concert streams, post-performance discussions
Career Connection
Provides real-world exposure, inspiration, and understanding of professional performance standards and audience expectations, shaping one''''s artistic aspirations.
Exploring Allied Art Forms and Languages- (Semester 3-5)
Utilize open electives to explore related performing arts like Bharatanatyam or instruments like Veena, understanding their rhythmic and melodic structures. Additionally, improve proficiency in languages like Sanskrit or Kannada, essential for deeper appreciation of lyrical content.
Tools & Resources
Elective courses, language learning apps, classical literature
Career Connection
Broadens artistic perspective, aids in collaborations, and enriches teaching abilities, making one a more well-rounded artist and educator with diverse skills.
Advanced Stage
Concert Simulation and Stage Presence- (Semester 6)
Regularly conduct full-length concert simulations, including planning the repertoire, adhering to time limits, and practicing microphone techniques. Focus on developing confident stage presence, engaging eye contact, and effective communication with accompanists for polished delivery.
Tools & Resources
Recording equipment, stage setup, feedback from mentors and peers, public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Direct preparation for professional performing opportunities, building the resilience and polished delivery required for a successful concert career and securing engagements.
Teaching Methodology and Pedagogy- (Semester 6)
Learn and practice effective teaching techniques for Carnatic vocal music. Mentor junior students, prepare lesson plans, and understand different learning styles. Focus on simplifying complex concepts and fostering student engagement to develop pedagogical skills.
Tools & Resources
Pedagogy textbooks, observation of senior teachers, mock teaching sessions
Career Connection
Equips graduates for roles as music educators in various institutions, ensuring the continuity of the art form and providing a stable career path in academia.
Portfolio Development and Networking- (Semester 6)
Create a professional portfolio including high-quality audio/video recordings of performances, a detailed repertoire list, and an artist biography. Actively network with senior artists, organizers, and cultural institutions at festivals and workshops to explore performance and teaching opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Professional recording studio, social media platforms, artistic networking events, personal website
Career Connection
Essential for self-promotion, securing performance engagements, collaborations, and establishing a professional identity in the competitive music industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- P.U.C. (10+2) or equivalent qualification from a recognized Board/University and having passed Junior Certificate Examination in Music (or equivalent) in the respective stream from a recognized Institution/Board or having undergone training with a recognized Guru/Institution for a period of not less than 4 years.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Music History - I | Core Theory | 4 | Origin of Indian Music, Nada, Sruti, Swara, Saptaswaras, Octaves, Mela, Raga, Tala, Classification of Musical Instruments |
| 1.2 | Carnatic Vocal - I | Core Practical | 6 | Sarali Swaras, Janta Swaras, Daatu Swaras, Alankaras, Geethams (Malhari, Ganakali, Rupaka Tala, etc.), Swarajatulu (Bilhari), Adi Tala Varnam (Mohana Raga) |
| 1.3 | General English - I | General Compulsory | 4 | Functional English, Basic Grammar and Composition, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Building, Basic Communication Skills |
| 1.4 | Sanskrit / Hindi / Kannada / Additional English - I | General Compulsory | 4 | Basic Grammar and Syntax, Simple Prose and Poetry, Conversational Skills, Translation Exercises, Cultural Significance of the Language |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Music History - II | Core Theory | 4 | History of Karnataka Music, Lakshana Grandhas (Sangita Ratnakara), Composers (Purandaradasa, Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar), Evolution of Ragas and Talas, Gamakas and their application |
| 2.2 | Carnatic Vocal - II | Core Practical | 6 | Adi Tala Varnams (additional), Swarajatulu (Yadukulakambhoji), Krithis (Tyagaraja, Dikshitar, Shyama Shastri), Divyanama Keerthanas, Thematic rendering of compositions |
| 2.3 | General English - II | General Compulsory | 4 | Advanced Grammar and Usage, Literary Analysis, Essay and Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking |
| 2.4 | Sanskrit / Hindi / Kannada / Additional English - II | General Compulsory | 4 | Advanced Grammar and Literature, Poetry and Prose Appreciation, Advanced Communication, Cultural Studies, Creative Writing in chosen language |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Music Theory - I | Core Theory | 4 | Definition of musicological terms (Nada, Sruti, Swara, Raga), Tala, Gamaka, Vadi, Samvadi, Classification of Ragas (Janaka, Janya), Concept of Mela, 72 Melakarta scheme, Lakshanas of prominent Ragas |
| 3.2 | Carnatic Vocal - III | Core Practical | 6 | Pada Varnams, Daru Varnams, Krithis of different composers (Annamacharya, Purandaradasa), Ragam Tanam Pallavi (basics), Manodharma Sangeetham (Alapana introduction) |
| 3.3 | Environmental Studies | General Compulsory | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and Control, Natural Resources and Conservation, Environmental Ethics and Legislation, Human Population and Environment |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Music Theory - II | Core Theory | 4 | Detailed study of Raga Lakshanas, Vivadi Swaras and their treatment, Graha Bhedam, Concept of Manodharma Sangeetha (detailed), Different types of Talas, Laya, Gati |
| 4.2 | Carnatic Vocal - IV | Core Practical | 6 | Advanced Krithis of Trinity and other composers, Swara Kalpana (intermediate level), Neraval (intermediate level), Thani Avarthanam (basics), Devaranamas, Ashtapadis |
| 4.3 | Constitution of India | General Compulsory | 2 | Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Governments (structure and functions), Judiciary and Electoral System, Amendments and Contemporary Issues |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Musicology - I | Core Theory | 4 | History and development of Carnatic Music, Biographical sketches of prominent Vaggeyakaras, Different schools of thought (e.g., Mysore, Thanjavur), Evolution of musical instruments in South India, Folk music traditions of Karnataka |
| 5.2 | Carnatic Vocal - V | Core Practical | 6 | Advanced Ragam Tanam Pallavi (detailed study), Compositions of Dasa Sahitya, Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, Bhajans and Light Classical forms, Performance of a varied repertoire |
| 5.3 | Open Elective - I | Elective | 4 | Introduction to another performing art form (e.g., Dance, Instrumental Music), Basic techniques and vocabulary of the chosen art form, Historical and cultural context, Appreciation of diverse artistic expressions, Elements of performance |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 | Musicology - II | Core Theory | 4 | Evolution of Musical forms (Varnam, Kriti, Padam), Role of Haridasas in Carnatic Music, Detailed study of Manodharma Sangeetham (advanced aspects), Music criticism and aesthetics, Contemporary trends and fusion in Carnatic music |
| 6.2 | Carnatic Vocal - VI | Core Practical | 6 | Extensive repertoire for concert performance, Concert pattern and planning, Advanced Raga Alapana and Swara Prasthara, Neraval and Thani Avarthanam (advanced), Teaching methodology and pedagogical aspects of Carnatic Vocal |
| 6.3 | Open Elective - II | Elective | 4 | Advanced aspects of the chosen art form, Performance studies and stagecraft, Interdisciplinary connections, Cultural significance and preservation, Critical analysis of performances |
